We’ve all seen a hairstyle on a celebrity or on social media that we want to try out but are worried about the amount of maintenance that it will require. While celebrities have an expansive budget and team on call to keep their hair looking flawless, you may not have the amount of time or money required to get the exact look you’re wanting. Short hairstyles are fun, flirty, and light, which is enticing, especially with spring and summer right around the corner. But what are the best ones that keep time and money in mind, specifically for women over 40? We asked Jennifer Mendoza, founder of Flourish Hair & Beauty in Chicago, IL, what short hairstyles she recommends, and what exactly you should expect if you decide to make the big chop.
As with any hairstyle, there are bonuses and drawbacks to a shorter cut. If you aren’t interested in spending hours standing over your sink with the blow dryer or get fed up with tangles and ponytails, short hair may be the right choice for you. “Reasons to consider getting a shorter hairstyle is that it saves time on styling, offers more volume and looks very classy.” Mendoza says. From bobs to pixies, short hair has that clean, classy, timeless look that’s perfect for anyone who wants to save time but still look put together.
With that being said, it could mean more time in the salon chair. “A shorter style will require more maintenance, meaning you’ll have to visit the salon more often.” Mendoza adds. To keep up your short style, you have to be committed to consistent visits to your hair stylist, which could be a bigger cost and time commitment. When you have a shorter style, that awkward period between salon visits when your hair doesn’t sit quite how you like it is a little more noticeable, and could make it harder to postpone trims. While you may be tempted to do little touch ups yourself, it’s best to put the shears down and leave it to the professionals. If this sounds like a hassle to you, a short hairstyle may not be the right choice for you. But if you’re sold on the idea of a short hairstyle, Mendoza shared some of her favorites.
The Pixie: From Angela Bassett to Charlize Theron, the pixie cut is a timeless and easy hairstyle that will save you time in the mornings but still has a major glam effect. But the most important thing to keep in mind? It’s all about texture. “The textured pixie is all about getting a bit of height and having fun with it.” Ask your hair stylist for layers, and tips on how to style it so that you get that heightened, tousled look.
The Lob: The lob is one hairstyle that seems to always make an appearance in every era of style. It’s perfect for people who are flirting with the idea of short hair but still want a little bit of length to play with.
Short Layered Cut: Mendoza recommends short layered haircuts because they are low maintenance, and isn’t that what we’re all going for these days? Layers make it easier to achieve volume that looks clean but effortless.
When it comes to products, Mendoza says that texture is everything, so using things like pomades can be helpful when it comes to styling at home. Short hairstyles can be intimidating because it’s such a statement, but it could save you time in the morning. It can also give you a lighter, more youthful look. Next time you visit the salon, consider giving one of these styles a try.
